Instructions:

Cover the entire bird with 2 layers of paper mache. You
MUST do this in one sitting -- if you half mache a balloon it will
pop when the mache starts to dry.

Let the project dry completely (12 to 24 hours depending on your
humidity level). You can put a fan near it to speed up the drying.

If making a pinata:

Cut an opening in the top of the bird.
(Use a damp cloth to soften the mache if you have trouble cutting the opening).

Fill with candy or small toys.

Add a string or rubber band that is attached to the inside
of the bird -- make sure you attach it inside but don't let it
completely disappear when you paper mache (you'll use this
string or rubber band to hang up your pinata.

Tape shut.

Once dry, cover the entire bird with 1 or 2 more layers of paper mache. I like to use scrap white paper
or paper towel for this layer since
it's easier to decorate. Don't let the paper mache be too wet or it may start to soak the project and cause it to crush. If this starts to happen, stop, let it dry and then continue.

Let the project dry completely (12 to 24 hours depending on your
humidity level). You can put a fan near it to speed up the drying.

If making a piggy bank, use scissors of a sharp knife to cut a slit at the back of the head (toward the top of the chicken, but in the back of the head not on the face). Again, you
may need to soften with a damp cloth to make the cut. When you're completely finished the craft, you may have to reopen this slit, but it should be much easier if you pre-make it at this
stage.

Paint the project white and let dry.

Cut 'petal' shapes from black and white tissue paper
or construction paper - you can
fold the paper multiple times so that one cut
makes a bunch of feathers. The smaller you cut the
teardrops the longer the project will take, so don't
make them too small.

Glue the tissue paper 'petals' onto the bird
starting at the bottom and working toward the head.
Most of the bird should be black with an oval of white
on the front as a 'tummy'

Cut a diamond out of orange construction paper or
card stock and fold twice near the center to make a
'beak. Glue the beak to the bird